Tom Scott & The L.A. Express

The L.A. Express was an American jazz-pop ensemble, formed in 1973 as the backing band for jazz saxophonist Tom Scott. Members of L.A. Express played on several Joni Mitchell albums including The Hissing of Summer Lawns and Miles of Aisles. The original lineup included Max Bennett (bass), John Guerin (drums and percussion), Larry Carlton (guitarist), and Joe Sample (keyboards). They recorded the album Tom Scott and the L.A. Express, as well as a number of tracks on Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark album in 1974 with this lineup before both Carlton and Sample left the group. Robben Ford replaced Carlton as guitarist and Larry Nash took over as the group's keyboardist. With Ford and Nash on board, Tom Scott and the L.A. Express recorded the popular Tom Cat album in 1975. After the release of Tom Cat, Scott left the group and began recording solo.